Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I disagree with Deputy Dooley, as someone who, like him, comes from a tourist town. It is all about perception. If people think they are not getting value for money, it creates a problem. People saw the effect of the VAT reduction from 13% to 9% when it was passed on. In addition, the trade started to introduce deals and realised it had to do something with its cost base and provide value for money. It was a good move. We had to negotiate with the troika. Hoteliers are hoping it will continue, and we must examine that point.

Deputy Eoghan Murphy is correct in respect of sporting events. The Navy-Notre Dame game was probably the most successful event that took place in this country. When those people went back to America, they sold a positive message about the country. It did not just happen in Dublin; when these people arrived they spread to every corner of the country. They came back to Dublin for the event and the message sent home was that there was value for money in Ireland. The figures for December, January and February show that the number of trips to Ireland increased by 2.6%. From mainland Europe they increased by 5.7%, although tourism from Britain is weak again. Trips from North America have increased by almost 10%, while other long-haul markets are up by 15.3%. People realise they are getting value for money.

Tomorrow the Minister and I are meeting the IRFU, which will make a proposal and talk to us about hosting the World Cup. I compliment the GAA on its decision last weekend to open up its facilities. It was a credit to the organisation and I was delighted to see it making its wonderful facilities available.

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